Get Involved

Southwark Cathedral grounds will be transformed into a summer-themed garden party with a difference on Wednesday 19th July when Mothers’ Union (MU) launches its annual summer appeal.

Entitled “Summer of Hope”, this year’s appeal target is to raise £125,000 for community based projects. Last year MU members from across the UK helped raise £102,000 for the charity’s “Big Summer Appeal”. Projects funded ranged from helping mums in South Sudan learn to read and write to giving imprisoned dads in the UK the chance to reconnect with their families.

This year Mothers’ Union is calling on its members to organise garden parties, barbecues, cake sales, fêtes, raffles, face painting and bouncy castles – no event is too large or too small. Hosting an afternoon tea for a few friends could raise £60 and help three people learn to read and write. A summer BBQ could raise £180 and help 30 mums and dads become better parents by funding one of MU’s parenting skills groups. Finally, a summer fête could raise £1,000 and fund 10 churches to begin programmes that achieve a positive and lasting change in their communities.

“What better way to celebrate the start of summer than by coming together with friends, family and neighbours to enjoy the sunshine?” says Mothers’ Union Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey. “It doesn’t matter whether you want to host an afternoon tea for a few friends, or welcome a whole community to a grand summer fête. Whatever you do will help to make it a ‘Summer of Hope’ for families around the world,” she continues.

Why not come down to Southwark Cathedral and learn more about the people and projects Mothers’ Union’s ‘Summer of Hope’ will be supporting and find out more from MU staff about how you can get involved. A gallery of images will be displayed showcasing how the campaign will actually change the lives of individuals. “We are delighted to host this event with Mothers’ Union. The world needs hope, as do many of our communities at home. A ‘Summer of Hope’ will help us all lift our eyes and hearts to the God in whom we are forever hopeful,” says The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark.

Where: Southwark Cathedral Churchyard (behind Borough Market)

Date: Wednesday 19th July

Time: 11am to 2pm

Mothers’ Union has provided a resource packed full of ideas, information and templates for invites, posters and case studies to help people organise their event. Click here